Austin Wed: Barr Mansion
By Lisa Olson
As a wedding blogger, there are two questions I’m asked all the time. One is, “do you have your whole future wedding planned?” and the other is, “what are the best places to get married in Austin?” The answer to the first question is no, definitely not. As for the second question, there are plenty of beautiful, versatile, unique venues in Austin, but a few stand out to me above the others. In Austin Wed, I’ll be spotlighting my top picks, explaining what I love about them and listing the logistical information a couple would need to know to make an informed venue selection.
The Barr Mansion
The Barr Mansion in Austin, Texas | Caroline + Ben Photography via Something Pretty
The Barr Mansion is a statement venue. The mint green Victorian mansion, which houses the dressing rooms, photographs beautifully and the glass walls of the ballroom are nothing short of striking when lit up during a nighttime reception. The seven-acre property books only one event a day, so clients can enjoy full use of the facilities. Thanks to the variety of settings, clients can make their wedding experience their own and customize it to any style. Couples may choose to hold a ceremony in the gardens, with the namesake Barr Mansion in the background, or they may want to deck out the ballroom in string lights for a dramatic evening ceremony. The versatility truly caters to a huge variety of styles.
The Barr Mansion is also the nation’s first certified organic events facility. They use locally grown, organic food in all of their seasonal menus, which can be adjusted through a “star” rating system. Their signature style is “modern comfort food” and they draw inspiration from cultures across the world. A few spring dishes on their menu include Miso Orange Marinated Pressed Tofu, Wood-Fired Baked Gulf Black Drum and Moroccan Spiced Pork Tenderloin.
You’ll love it because: The menu is extremely customizable and every part of the venue, from the mansion to the ballroom to the gardens, is incredibly photogenic.
Recommended for: A charming, vintage-inspired wedding for a foodie couple.
Capacity: Can accommodate 50-600
Cost: Ranges from an appetizer buffet for 25 guests with “12 star” food at $6,753 to $30,952 for a buffet meal for 400 with “20 star” food. Price increases as the rating of the food goes up (with additional stars). Reception prices for Saturday weddings in April, May and October increase by 5 percent.
What’s included: Catering, full facility usage, tables, chairs, linens, wedding coordination, bride and groom’s cakes (or other desserts if preferred), wait staff, china, glassware, silverware, service tables, map inserts, food and cake tasting prior to wedding
May not be the best place for: Couples who do not need or want such extensive food options. The star rating system is a bit complicated, so if food is not a big priority, the options may be overwhelming.
ORANGE 
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